With every milestone that passes by Ted Richards is forced to recall what might not have been.
“If I had of stayed at Essendon, if I hadn’t ended up at the Swans, I wouldn’t be playing footy,” Richards stated this week.
(Strange words to hear coming from a man on the eve of his 250th match)
“For so long I didn’t think I’d get to 100 games, before I knew it 150 came along, then 200.”
Anyone could understand Richards’ doubt having managed only 33 appearances over five seasons at Windy Hill.
He struggled to find his feet at either end of the ground and was given a harsh lesson at times, none harsher than the one dealt by Brisbane full-forward Jonathan Brown at the height of the Lions’ powers.
“I don’t really like to look back at those games too much,” Richards, a frequent watcher of Fox Footy Flashbacks, said.
Most players would have been thrown on the scrap heap and more often than not forced into chasing an opportunity that might not be there in the first place.
Thankfully, a lifeline from then coach Paul Roos did come and Richards found a new home and a new environment to (as we’ve seen to now) flourish.
Nothing new with the Swans’ priding themselves on turning investments into profitable gains – player-wise.
Speaking of those flashbacks, Richards says his growth didn’t come easy having to experience some harsh realities in an effort to be among the first picked every week.
“You can’t just reflect on the wins and the games you play well in,” Richards said. “You’ve got to look for the games where you realise there’s still a lot of improvement left.”
That afternoon against Browny was one, that knee from Carlton’s Brendan Fevola in 2009 was another with Richards suffering a season-ending punctured lung and broken ribs for his troubles.
Ah, the life of a backman.
How turbulent it must be playing full-back, living on a prayer that you’re opponent doesn’t turn what starts out “as a good day at the office” into a bad one within the space of a quarter.
“That’s just the nature of the position,” Richards adds. “I do enjoy the privilege I have down there but it does come with some pressure.”
It’s despite this perceived pressure Swans supporters have witnessed Richards evolve as a player and adapt incredibly well to an ever-changing game.
And earn some individual accolades along the way as well including a premiership medallion in 2012 and All-Australian jumper in 2010.
Winning the Best Clubman award five years ago probably best epitomises ‘Teddy’ however (certainly internally) and best summarises his “rollercoaster” journey to 250 games.
If the ultimate prize didn’t come along, Ted would hold the Best Clubman honour above all knowing he “made the most of an opportunity” at a Club that breeds players who wear their heart on their sleeve.
“Because players don’t often get a third opportunity,” Richards said.
Again, what might not have been?
